27 April 2009

London Bike Share Launch

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announced London's version of the Parisian Vélib' bike share programme today. Maybe they'll call it Londib'.

"I pledged to deliver a cycling revolution across the city, and there is now a growing excitement about our cycle hire scheme, which will give all Londoners the opportunity to hop on a bike and experience the joys of cycling," said Johnson.

"Much like hailing a cab, people will be able to pick up one of 6,000 bikes, and zip around town to their heart's content – not only a quick, easy, and healthy option, but one that will also make London a more liveable city."

I follow Boris on Twitter. Not that exciting, but I'll never forget this tweet: "Got told off for riding a bike inside city hall. Sorry security!"

Whatever you may think of Boris, a mayor that rides a bike - naughtily - inside city hall can't be all that bad.

And then there's this quote: "I have long held the view that a cyclised city is a civilised city, but if we are to get more Londoners on to two wheels rather than four we need to provide the facilities to help them do so," says Boris Johnson. Lord Mayor of London.

Kilometres cycled by Copenhageners so far today

Copenhagenize.com is the blog of Copenhagenize Design Company. Online since 2007 and highlighting the cycling life in Copenhagen and around the world.

40 years ago Copenhagen was just as car-clogged as anywhere else but now 41% of the population arriving at work or education do so on bicycles, from all over the Metro area. 56% of Copenhageners themselves use bicycles each day. They all use over 1000 km of bicycle lanes in Greater Copenhagen for their journeys. Copenhagenizing is possible anywhere.